Maryland Chapter

President’s Welcome

HFMA Maryland Chapter Members,

I am honored and humbled to serve as President of the HFMA Maryland Chapter for the 2026–2027 program year. As a member for nearly 20 years, I have had the privilege of watching our chapter grow into one of the premier professional organizations for healthcare finance leaders in Maryland. Through exceptional education, meaningful networking, and a spirit of collaboration, HFMA Maryland has become an essential part of our state’s healthcare community.

Why is HFMA Maryland so special to me? Simply put, I would not be where I am today without it.

Growing up in a lower-middle-class family, I believed education was the path to a better future. As my career progressed, I realized that education alone was not enough. Networking and mentorship proved just as important. Those three pillars—education, networking, and mentorship—define what HFMA represents.

This chapter provided me with the knowledge and insights I needed as I built my career in a complex and ever-changing industry. More importantly, it connected me with outstanding healthcare leaders who generously invested their time, advice, and encouragement in my professional growth. Their willingness to mentor me has had a lasting impact on both my career and my life.

For that, I will always be grateful. It is why I continue to volunteer, give back to a profession that has given me so much, and invest in developing today’s and tomorrow’s healthcare finance leaders.

As we begin another exciting chapter in our history, I would like to recognize Katie Eckert, our Immediate Past President, for her extraordinary service and leadership. Throughout her years of volunteerism, Katie has served our chapter as a Board Director, Treasurer, Secretary, Program Chair, President-Elect, and President. Her vision for the 2025 Fall Conference resulted in one of the highest-attended conferences in recent memory and reinvigorated our signature event.

I also want to thank our Board of Directors, Officers, Committee Chairs, volunteers, and business partners. Together, these dedicated individuals contribute thousands of volunteer hours each year to strengthen our chapter and create value for healthcare professionals across Maryland.

Over the coming year, members can expect:

Best-in-class healthcare finance education focused on the issues shaping our industry today and into the future.
Welcoming and engaging networking opportunities to strengthen existing relationships while building new professional connections.
Meaningful opportunities to give back through volunteering, mentoring, speaking, sponsoring, and committee service.
Continued professional development through HFMA’s expanding portfolio of nationally recognized certifications and educational offerings.

My commitment to you is one of servant leadership—built on trust, collaboration, and a genuine desire to help every member succeed. I will listen to our members and volunteers as we continue to enhance our educational programming, create meaningful networking experiences, and ensure that volunteering with HFMA remains both rewarding and impactful.

Thank you for your membership, your engagement, and your commitment to advancing healthcare finance in Maryland. I look forward to serving alongside each of you as we continue to learn, lead, and strengthen our profession together.

Sincerely,

Marco Priolo, CPA, MHS
President, HFMA Maryland Chapter